Solar concentrator with integrated tracking and light delivery system with summation

ABSTRACT

A solar light distribution system includes a solar light concentrator that is affixed externally to a light transfer tube. Solar light waves are processed by the concentrator into a collimated beam of light, which is then transferred through a light receiving port and into the light transfer tube. A reflector redirects the collimated beam of light through the tube to a light distribution port. The interior surface of the light transfer tube is highly reflective so that the light transfers through the tube with minimal losses. An interchangeable luminaire is attached to the light distribution port and provides light inside of a structure. A sun tracking device rotates the concentrator and the light transfer tube to optimize the receiving of solar light by the concentrator throughout the day. The system provides interior lighting that uses only renewable energy sources, and releases no carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/875,824 filed Sep. 10, 2013,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/100,063,filed on 9 Dec. 2013 and entitled, “Solar Concentrator with IntegratedTracking and Light Delivery System with Collimation.”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support under Contract No.DE-AC05-00OR22725 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Thegovernment has certain rights in the invention.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to solar lighting systems and morespecifically to systems and methods for collecting solar light anddistributing the light to the interior of a structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

The Department of Defense (DoD) is the single largest consumer of energyin the world and currently spends approximately $20B a year on energy.The John Warner National Defense Authorization Act of 2007 states thatin the year 2025, 25% of all energy consumed at the DoD will be fromrenewable sources. In order to meet the goal, the DoD has ambitiousplans to increase its use of renewables.

Since 2001, many forward operating bases have been located in arid areaswith ample sunlight, which can be used for generating electricity andpurifying water. Since tents, halls, depots, hangers, and otherstructures require interior lighting to enable personnel to support theDoD's missions, alternatives to conventional lighting should beconsidered.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,973,235 “Hybrid Solar Lighting Distribution Systems andComponents” and U.S. Pat. No. 7,231,128 “Hybrid Solar Lighting Systemsand Components” each describe the use of a solar concentrator forcollecting sunlight, a fiber receiver for transferring the sunlight, anda hybrid luminaire for distributing the sunlight. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/646,781 “Modular Off-Axis Fiber Optic SolarConcentrator” describes a modular solar concentrator having a primaryreflector with a reflecting surface that is a segment of a parentparaboloid. U.S. Pat. No. 8,371,078 “Sunlight Collection System andApparatus” describes a hollow shaft and roof-mounted cover fordistributing solar light through a roof and into the interior of astructure.

Despite the teachings noted above, improvements to solar lightingsystems are necessary to reduce dependency on fossil fuels andtransition to renewable energy resources while meeting renewable energygoals.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed are several examples of systems, apparatuses, and methods fordistributing solar light inside of structures. Once installed, thesystems provide lighting that does not require the use of fossil fuelsand releases no carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

According to one example, a solar light distribution system includes afirst tubular member extending lengthwise along a central, longitudinalaxis (CL1), the first tubular member having a first support walldefining a first light transfer duct, one or more light receiving ports,and a first light delivery port that are all optically coupled. Alsoincluded is one or more solar light concentrators affixed externally tothe first tubular member and each one being located proximate to one ofthe light receiving ports, the light concentrators for receiving solarlight waves and directing the light waves through the light receivingports and into the first light transfer duct. Also included is a turningreflector disposed inside of the first light transfer duct and locatedproximate to each one of the one or more light receiving ports, theturning reflectors for reflecting the light waves from the lightreceiving ports, down the first light transfer duct, to the first lightdelivery port. Each of the one or more turning reflectors includes adeflecting surface that enables a summation of the light waves withinthe first transfer duct.

According to another example, a solar light distribution system includesa first tubular member extending lengthwise along a central,longitudinal axis (CL1), the first tubular member having a first supportwall defining a first light transfer duct, one or more light receivingports, and a first light delivery port that are all optically coupled.Also included are one or more solar light concentrators affixedexternally to the first tubular member and each one located proximate toone of the one or more light receiving ports, the light concentratorsfor receiving solar light waves, and directing the light waves throughthe light receiving ports and into the first light transfer duct. Alsoincluded is a turning reflector disposed inside the first light transferduct and located proximate to each of the one or more light receivingports, the turning reflectors for reflecting the light waves from thelight receiving ports, down the first light transfer duct to the firstlight delivery port. Each of the one or more turning reflectors includesa deflecting surface that enables a summation of the light waves withinthe first transfer duct. Also included is a second tubular memberextending lengthwise along a central, longitudinal, axis (CL2), thesecond tubular member having a second support wall defining a secondlight transfer duct, a second light receiving port, and a second lightdelivery port that are all optically coupled, the second tubular memberat the second light receiving port being connected at a juncture to thefirst tubular member at the first light delivery port. Also included isa second turning reflector disposed proximate to the juncture of thesecond tubular member and the first tubular member, the second turningreflector for reflecting the light waves from the second light receivingport, down the second light transfer duct to the second light deliveryport.

According to another example, a method of distributing solar light to astructure includes: a) receiving solar light with one or moreconcentrators affixed externally to a first tubular member extendinglengthwise along a central, longitudinal axis (CL1); b) reflecting thesolar light waves with the concentrators to one or more light receivingports defined by the first tubular member; c) directing the light wavesthrough the light receiving ports and into a first light transfer ductdefined by the first tubular member; and d) reflecting the light waveswith a turning reflector disposed in the first internal light duct andproximate to each one of the one or more light receiving ports to afirst light delivery port defined by the first tubular member. Each ofthe one or more turning reflectors includes a deflecting surface thatenables a summation of the light waves within the first transfer duct.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The systems and methods may be better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings and detailed description. Non-limiting andnon-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to thefollowing drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles. Inthe figures, like referenced numerals may refer to like parts throughoutthe different figures unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is an example of a solar light delivery system installed on atemporary structure;

FIG. 2 is an example of a solar light delivery system installed on apermanent structure;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an example of a first tubular member inaccordance with the solar light delivery systems of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of an example of a first tubularmember for accepting a solar concentrator at an angle of approximately90 degrees;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view an example of a first tubular memberfor accepting a solar concentrator at an angle of approximately 60degrees;

FIG. 6 is an a partial sectional view of an example of a first tubularmember for accepting a solar concentrator at an angle of approximately120 degrees;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of an example of a solar trackingsystem;

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of an example of a first tubularmember and a second tubular member;

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the first tubular member and a secondtubular member of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a second turning reflector where the firsttubular member and the second tubular members meet at an angle of 120degrees;

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a second turning reflector where the firsttubular member and the second tubular members meet at an angle of 90degrees;

FIG. 12 illustrates several examples of luminaires; and

FIG. 13 illustrates the method steps for distributing solar light to astructure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a temporary or permanentstructure 100, such as a tent, Quonset hut, home, office, shower,warehouse, or the like, includes an exterior wall 102 that defines aninterior volume 103. The structure 100 is preferably sited and designedsuch that at least a portion of an exterior wall 102 has a line-of-sightto the sun (S) during a portion of the day. In the Northern hemisphere,a South-facing wall is preferred and in the southern hemisphere aNorth-facing wall is preferred. Solar light waves (W) coming from thesun (S) are generally collected from the outside of the structure 100and delivered into the interior volume 103 by a solar lighting system104, which will now be described in greater detail.

A rigid support member 106 includes a vertical pier 108 and a horizontalarm 110. A lower end 112 of the vertical pier 108 is secured to asurface adjacent to the structure 100, or to the structure itself, withan anchoring means 114 such as a concrete footing, a base plate and sandbags, bolts, screws, stakes, spade blades, or other anchoring means. Thehorizontal arm 110 is affixed to, and extends from, the vertical pier108 at an upper end 116. A gusset 118 may be used to strengthen thejoint between the horizontal arm 110 and the vertical pier 108. Thegusset 118 may also define a hollow cavity 120 for housing othercomponents of the apparatus and those will be discussed later. The rigidsupport member 106 can be made from concrete, aluminum or steel tubing,wood, or other rigid support materials for example.

A top rotational means 122 supports and positions a first tubular member124 beside the structure 100. A bottom rotational means 126 alsosupports and positions the first tubular member 124 such that it willrotate about a central, longitudinally-extending, axis (CL1). Each ofthe rotational means 122, 126 may include ball-type bearings,roller-type bearings, bushings, sleeves, or other rotational means knownin the art or combinations thereof

As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the first tubular member 124 includesa first support wall 128 that defines a first light transfer duct 130.The first light transfer duct 130 preferably has a regular convexpolygonal cross sectional shape for improved reflectance of a summationbeam of light (SB); however, other shapes such as oval, or even othershapes may be used for example. In some examples, the regular convexpolygonal tube or pipe is seamless and in other examples, the tube orpipe is joined at one or more seams. There may be three or more wallsegments to define the regular polygonal section. The first support wall128 has an inner surface 132 that is highly reflective to light. In someexamples, the inner surface 132 is a polished metal surface. In otherexamples, it is a reflective coated or painted surface. In yet otherexamples, it is a surface lined with a sheet product such asMicro-Silver manufactured by ALANOD GmbH & Co. KG, which has areflectivity of approximately 98%.

The first support wall 128 also defines at least two apertures that areall optically coupled to the first light transfer duct 130. A lightreceiving port 134 receives light waves (W) from a solar lightconcentrator 136, and a first light delivery port 138 receives asummation beam (SB) from the first light transfer duct 130. Althoughonly two light receiving ports 134 and a single light delivery port 138are illustrated in FIG. 3, more concentrators 136 and light receivingports 134 are contemplated in other examples. The term optically coupledrefers to the arrangement of features that allows the transfer of lightusing various techniques known in the art of optics. In general, twofeatures are optically coupled if light can be transferred between thetwo, either directly, or through the use of optic devices, such aslenses and reflectors.

A first turning reflector 140 is disposed inside of the first lighttransfer duct 130 and is located proximate to each one of the one ormore first light receiving ports 134. The first turning reflectors 140are mounted to the first tubular member 124 rigidly or adjustably toallow for angular adjustments to the central, longitudinal axis (CL1).The first turning reflectors 140 receive the solar light waves (W)through the light receiving ports 134 and direct the light waves (W)down the first light transfer duct 130 approximately parallel to thecentral, longitudinal axis (CL1). The light waves (W) are summed orcombined as a summation beam (SB) and travel the length of the firstlight transfer duct 130 to the first light delivery port 138. The firstturning reflectors 140 each include reflective surfaces that are highlyreflective to light. In this example, the first turning reflectors 140include mirror surfaces. In other examples, the first turning reflectors140 include polished metal surfaces. In other examples, the firstturning reflectors 140 include surfaces that are coated with areflective coating. In yet other examples, the first turning reflectors140 include surfaces that are laminated with a coated sheet product suchas Micro-Silver manufactured by ALANOD GmbH & Co. KG, which has areflectivity of approximately 98%.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, each of the first turningreflectors 140 includes an upstream reflecting surface 141 a, whichfaces to the left in the example of FIG. 4, and a downstream deflectingsurface 141 b, which faces to the right in the example of FIG. 3. Thedeflecting surface 141 b diverts the light waves (W) or summation beam(SB) away from the first turning reflectors 140 and into the reflectiveinner surface 130, where they are reflected back towards axis (CL1). Thelight waves (W) coming from each of the light concentrators 136 combinetogether in the first light transfer duct 130 and form the summationbeam (SB). The summation beam (SB) is much more concentrated than theindividual solar light waves (W) coming from each of the individualsolar concentrators 136 and provides much more light for the structure100.

In the example of FIG. 4, the light waves (W) are directed into thefirst light transfer duct 130 at an approximately 90 degree angle to thecentral, longitudinal axis (CL1). The law of reflection states that theangle of incidence equals the angle of reflectance. In this example, thefirst turning reflector 140 surface 141 a is positioned at an angle α ofapproximately 45 degrees to the incoming light waves (W) and at an angleβ of approximately 45 degrees to the central, longitudinal axis (CL1).

In the example of FIG. 5, the light waves (W) are directed into thefirst light transfer duct 130 at an approximately 60 degree angle to thecentral, longitudinal axis (CL1). In this example, the first turningreflector 140 surface 141 a is positioned at an angle α of approximately60 degrees to the incoming light waves (W) and at an angle β ofapproximately 60 degrees to the central, longitudinal axis (CL1).

In yet another example of FIG. 6, the light waves (W) are directed intothe first light transfer duct 130 at an approximately 120 degree angleto the central, longitudinal axis (CL1). In this example, the firstturning reflector 140 surface 141 a is positioned at an angle α ofapproximately 30 degrees to the incoming light waves (W) and at an angleβ of approximately 30 degrees to the central, longitudinal axis (CL1).With these and other angular configurations available, the solarlighting apparatus 104 can be adapted to deliver solar light to manydifferent shapes, sizes and styles of structures 100.

Each of the one or more solar light concentrators 136 generally includesa primary reflector 142 and a secondary reflector 144. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/646,781 “Modular Off-Axis Fiber Optic SolarConcentrator” describes an exemplary solar light concentrator 136 andthe application is incorporated herein by reference as if included atlength. In operation, the primary reflector 142 reflects ambient solarlight waves (W) onto the secondary reflector 144 and the secondaryreflector 144, in turn, reflects that light waves (W) through the firstlight receiving port 134. In this embodiment, the primary reflector 142is an aspherical reflector that is a segment of a circular parabolicmirror. The primary reflector 142 is an off-axis segment having anoptical axis that is generally aligned and centered along an edge of theprimary reflector 142. The secondary reflector 144 may be located at ornear the optical axis and be oriented to reflect light waves into thecollimating lens 146. In this embodiment, the primary reflector 142 hasa peripheral shape that is generally rectilinear. For example, the shapeof the periphery of the primary reflector 142 may be square orrectangular.

Although the reflecting surface of the primary reflector 142 of thisembodiment is a paraboloid, the present invention may be implementedwith a primary reflector having a reflective surface of alternativegeometries, including alternative aspheric shapes. The primary reflector142 may be essentially any type of reflective surface or mirror, withthe specific construction being selected to provide an appropriatebalance between a variety of factors, such as cost, efficiency anddurability. In one embodiment, the primary reflector 142 may bemanufactured by applying a reflective coating to a suitable substrate.For example, a reflective coating may be applied to the back surface(i.e. the surface opposite the sun) of a transparent substrate, such asglass or a polycarbonate or other transparent polymeric material. Insuch embodiments, the front surface (i.e. the surface facing the sun) ofthe substrate may include an anti-reflective coating. The reflectivecoating may be covered by one or more protective coatings, if desired.In another example, the reflective coating may be applied to the frontsurface of a substrate, such as a metal substrate. With either example,the reflective coating may be essentially any suitable reflectivecoating, such as a thin layer of silver, aluminum or othersufficiently-reflective material. As an alternative, the reflectivecoating may be a dielectric coating. The dielectric coating may includea variety of different material deposited in thin layers onto thesubstrate. In an alternative embodiment, the primary reflector 142 mayhave a highly polished front surface, such as a polished aluminumsurface.

The secondary reflector 144 is a mirror oriented to reflect converginglight waves (W) received from the primary reflector 142 into the firstreceiving port 134. Although shown as a planar mirror, the shape of thesecondary reflector 144 may vary from application to application. Forexample, the secondary reflector 144 may be shaped as a focusing elementconfigured to assist in maximizing the amount of sunlight received fromthe primary reflector 142. As with the primary reflector 142, thesecondary reflector 144 may be essentially any type of reflector, withthe specific construction being selected to provide an appropriatebalance between a variety of factors, such as cost, efficiency anddurability. The secondary reflector 144 may be manufactured using thevarious materials and techniques described above in accordance with theprimary reflector 142.

In the illustrated examples, the primary reflector 142, and thesecondary reflector 144 are held in relative position to one another bya support assembly 148. The support assembly 148 includes a base 150, asupport 152 and an arm 154. The base 150 of this example is joined tothe first tubular member 124 and disposed at or adjacent to, one of theone or more first light receiving ports 134. The base 150 may be welded,clamped, bolted or otherwise secured to the first tubular member 124. Insome examples, the base 150 is an integral part of the first tubularmember 124. The support 152 extends from the base 150 in a directionsubstantially parallel to the optical axis of the primary reflector 142.The support assembly 148 also suspends an arm 154 for holding thesecondary reflector 144 in the proper position and orientation. In someexamples, the support and arm are rigidly fixed together and in otherexamples, they are adjustable for angle and length. The support assembly148 illustrated in the figures is merely one example and other, rigid,light-weight structures are also contemplated.

The above described solar light concentrator 136 is but one example of adevice for receiving solar light that may be used for this application.In some examples, an off-axis parabolic mirror of approximately 30degrees off axis angle is used. In other examples, an off-axis parabolicmirror of less than approximately 30 degrees off axis angle is used. Inother examples, an off-axis parabolic mirror of greater thanapproximately 30 degrees off axis angle is used. In other examples, afull, on-axis parabolic mirror is used. In yet another example, thesolar light concentrator 136 is a Fresnel lens or other lightconcentrating lens.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a solar tracking system 156 determines theoptimum positions of the first tubular member 124 and the one or moresolar light concentrators 136 to most-effectively capture the availablesun light waves (W) during the daylight hours. Solar tracking systemsare well-known in the art and will not be described in detail here. Thetracking system 156 may incorporate a “polar” mount and control asingle-axis rotational drive system 158 disposed between the firsttubular member 124 and the rigid support member 106 or the structure100.

Taking commands from the solar tracking system 156, is an exemplaryrotational drive system 158 that includes a drive line 160 such as agear drive, a chain drive, or a belt drive for interacting withsprockets or gears to provide accurate angular orientation. Attached tothe drive line 160 is a powering device 162, such as an electric steppermotor, for rotating the first tubular member 124 and the one or moresolar light concentrators 136 in unison about the central, longitudinalaxis (CL1), thus tracking the Sun (S) during the daylight hours.

In the example of FIG. 2, the summation beam (SB) exiting the firstlight delivery port 138 directly enters the structure 100 through anoverhang, a side wall, a ceiling, a window, a roof, or a floor. In theexample of FIG. 8, the summation beam (SB) exiting the first lightdelivery port 138 is further directed by a second tubular member 164before entering the interior 103 of the structure 100. In this example,the second tubular member 164 is joined to, and is optically coupled to,the first tubular member 124 at the first light delivery port 138. Thejuncture between the first tubular member 124 and the second tubularmember 138 includes a connector that enables the first tubular member124 to rotate independent of the second tubular member 138. The juncturemay include a slip joint connector, a gimbal connector, a bearingconnector, or other connector that allows rotation of the first tubularmember 124 in relation to the second tubular member 138 whilemaintaining their relative positions.

The second tubular member 164 extends lengthwise along a central,longitudinally extending, axis (CL2). A second support wall 166 definesa second light transfer duct 168, and at least two apertures that areall optically coupled to the second light transfer duct 168. A secondlight receiving port 170 receives a summation light beam (SB) from thefirst light delivery port 138 and reflects it to the second lighttransfer duct 168. A second light delivery port 172 receives summationlight beam (SB) from the second light transfer duct 168. The design andmanufacture of the second tubular member 164 is similar to the firsttubular member 124 and the inner surface 132 is similarly reflective.

A second turning reflector 174 is disposed inside of the second lighttransfer duct 168 and is located proximate to the second light receivingport 172 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The second turning reflector 174 canbe rigidly or adjustably mounted to the second tubular member 164 toallow for angular adjustments to the central, longitudinal axes (CL1 andCL2). The second turning reflector 174 receives the summation light beam(SB) from the second light delivery port 172 and directs the summationlight beam (SB) down the second light transfer duct 168 approximatelyparallel to the central, longitudinal axis (CL2). The summation lightbeam (SB) travels the length of the second light transfer duct 168 tothe second light delivery port 172. The design and manufacture of thesecond turning reflector 174 is similar to the first turning reflector140.

In the example of FIG. 10, the summation light beam (SB) is directed outof the first tubular member 124, approximately parallel to the central,longitudinal axis (CL1), and is reflected by the second turningreflector 174 into the second tubular member 164, approximately parallelto the central, longitudinal axis (CL2). In this example, the secondturning reflector 174 is rigidly or adjustably affixed to the secondtubular member 164 at the junction of the first tubular member 124 andthe second tubular member 164 and at an included angle of approximately120 degrees. The law of reflection states that the angle of incidenceequals the angle of reflectance. In this example, the second turningreflector 174 is positioned at an angle α of approximately 30 degrees tothe incoming summation light beam (SB) along the central, longitudinalaxis (CL1) and at an angle β of approximately 30 degrees to the central,longitudinal axis (CL2).

In another example of FIG. 11, the first tubular member 124 is joined tothe second tubular member 164 at an included angle of approximately 90degrees. Here, the second turning reflector 174 is positioned at anangle α of approximately 45 degrees to the central, longitudinal axis(CL1) and at an angle β of approximately 45 degrees to the central,longitudinal axis (CL2). With these angular configurations and otherscontemplated, the solar lighting apparatus 104 can be adapted to deliversolar light to the interiors many different sizes and styles ofstructures 100.

Once the light is delivered inside the structure 100, it may bedistributed about the interior 103 with one or more luminaires 176 asshown in FIG. 12. The luminaires 176 are interchangeable and adjustableto adapt to different illumination needs. For example, the luminaires176 may be constructed from opaque diffuse materials such as glass orplastic, translucent scattering materials, specularly reflecting planarsurfaces such as mirrors, specularly reflecting curved surfaces,specular or diffuse reflecting louvers that may be positioned to steerthe light or any combination of these types of surfaces.

Diffuse lighting may be useful for general illumination, whilespecularly reflected light may permit higher intensity task lightingsuch as for over a workstation. It is also envisioned that someluminaires 176 may be constructed as a hybrid configuration to direct aportion of the summation light beam (SB) for use as general illuminationand a portion for use as task lighting. The solar lighting apparatus 104will provide light to the interior 103 of the structure 100 during thedaytime hours, using renewable energy sources, and releasing no carbondioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a method 1000 having a series of stepsthat, when executed, distributes solar light to the interior 103 of astructure 100. In a first step designated as 1001, one or more solarlight concentrators 136, which are affixed to a first tubular member124, receive solar light waves (W) from the sun (S). In a second stepdesignated 1002, the solar light concentrator 136 processes the solarlight waves (W) into a concentrated light beam. In a third stepdesignated 1003, the concentrated light beam is directed through one ormore first light receiving ports 134 and into a first light transferduct 130, which are defined by the first tubular member 124 extendinglengthwise along a central, longitudinal axis (CL1). In the fourth stepdesignated 1004, a first turning reflector 140, disposed in the firstlight transfer duct 130 and proximate to one or the one or more firstlight receiving ports 134, reflects the concentrated light beam down thefirst light transfer duct 130 and approximately parallel to the central,longitudinal axis (CL1) to a first light delivery port 138. A summationbeam (SB) is formed in the first light transfer duct 130, which is thenredirected or provided to the interior 103 of the structure 100.

In other examples, the solar light concentrator 136 and first tubularmember 124 are rotated about the longitudinal axis (CL1) with a solartracking system 156. In some examples, the solar tracking system 156 isclosed loop and in other examples, the solar tracking system 156 is openloop.

In other examples of the processing step, the solar light concentrator136 functions by reflecting ambient solar light waves (W) with a primaryreflector 142 having a reflecting surface that is defined by a segmentof a parent paraboloid. The primary reflector 142 being aspherical andhaving an off-axis configuration with an optical axis located at or nearan edge of the primary reflector 142, and then reflecting the reflectedsolar light with a secondary reflector 144 positioned adjacent to theprimary reflector 142 to a first light receiving port 134.

In another example, the reflecting step also includes reflecting thesolar light, with a second turning reflector 174 disposed proximate tothe first light delivery port 138, through a second light receiving port170 and down a second light transfer duct 168 approximately parallel toa central, longitudinal axis (CL2). In this example, the second lighttransfer duct 168 is defined by a second tubular member 164 that isconnected to the first tubular member 124 at a juncture located at thefirst light delivery port 138.

In other examples, the step of distributing the solar light from thefirst light delivery port 138 is done with an interchangeably attachedluminaire 176. In some examples, the luminaire 176 distributes diffuselight. In other examples, the luminaire 176 distributes specularlyreflected light. And in yet other examples, the luminaire 176distributes both diffuse and specularly reflected light.

While this disclosure describes and enables several examples of solarlight distribution systems, apparatuses, and methods of distributingsolar light, other examples and applications are contemplated.Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace those alternatives,modifications, equivalents, and variations as fall within the broadscope of the appended claims. The technology disclosed and claimedherein may be available for licensing in specific fields of use by theassignee of record.

What is claimed is:
 1. A solar light distribution system comprising: afirst tubular member extending lengthwise along a central, longitudinalaxis (CL1), said first tubular member having a first support walldefining a first light transfer duct having a regular convex polygonalsectional shape, one or more light receiving ports, and a first lightdelivery port that are optically coupled; one or more solar lightconcentrators affixed externally to said first tubular member and eachone being located proximate to one of the one or more light receivingports, said light concentrators for receiving solar light waves anddirecting the light waves through the one or more light receiving portsand into the first light transfer duct; a first turning reflectordisposed inside of the first light transfer duct and located proximateto each one of the one or more light receiving ports, each of said firstturning reflectors having a reflecting surface for reflecting the lightwaves from one of the light receiving ports, down the first lighttransfer duct, to the first light delivery port; and wherein each ofsaid first turning reflectors also includes a deflecting surface that isseparate from the reflecting surface for diverting the light waves,introduced through the one or more light receiving ports, away from thefirst turning reflectors to facilitate a summation of the light waveswithin the first light transfer duct.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 andfurther comprising: a sun tracking device affixed to said first tubularmember for rotating said first tubular member about the central,longitudinal axis (CL1) to optimize the receiving of solar light by saidone or more solar light concentrators.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2wherein said sun tracking device is a closed-loop sun tracking device.4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said sun tracking device is anopen-loop sun tracking device.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein eachone of said one or more solar light concentrators further comprises: aprimary reflector having a reflecting surface that is defined by asegment of a parent paraboloid, said primary reflector being asphericaland having an off-axis configuration with an optical axis located at ornear an edge of said primary reflector; and a secondary reflectorpositioned adjacent to said primary reflector to receive solar lightreflected by said primary reflector.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid first tubular member support wall comprises an inner surface thatreflects light.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising alight distribution luminaire interchangeably attached to the first lightdistribution port.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said lightdistribution luminaire distributes diffuse light.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein said light distribution luminaire distributes specularlyreflected light.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said lightdistribution luminaire distributes both diffuse light and specularlyreflected light.
 11. A solar light distribution system comprising: afirst tubular member extending lengthwise along a central, longitudinalaxis (CL1), said first tubular member having a first support walldefining a first light transfer duct having a regular convex polygonalsectional shape, one or more light receiving ports, and a first lightdelivery port that are all optically coupled; one or more solar lightconcentrators affixed externally to said first tubular member and eachone being located proximate to one of the one or more light receivingports, said light concentrators for receiving solar light waves, anddirecting the light waves through the first light receiving port andinto the first light transfer duct; a turning reflector disposed insidethe first light transfer duct and located proximate to each one of theone or more light receiving ports, each one of said turning reflectorsfor reflecting the light waves from one of the light receiving ports,down the first light transfer duct, and to the first light deliveryport; a second tubular member extending lengthwise along a central,longitudinal, axis (CL2), said second tubular member having a secondsupport wall having a regular convex polygonal sectional shape anddefining a second light transfer duct, a second light receiving port,and a second light delivery port that are all optically coupled, saidsecond tubular member at the second light receiving port being connectedat a juncture to said first tubular member at the first light deliveryport; a second turning reflector disposed proximate to the juncture ofsaid second tubular member and said first tubular member, said secondturning reflector for reflecting the light waves from the second lightreceiving port, down the second light transfer duct, and to the secondlight delivery port; and wherein each one of said turning reflectorsincludes a deflecting surface that enables a summation of light waveswithin the first light transfer duct from the light waves introducedthrough the one or more light receiving ports.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11 and further comprising: a solar tracking system affixed to saidfirst tubular member for rotating said first tubular member about thecentral, longitudinal axis (CL1) to optimize the receiving of solarlight by said concentrators.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein saidsolar tracking system is closed loop.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12wherein said sun tracking device is open loop.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein said solar light concentrator further comprises: aprimary reflector having a reflecting surface that is defined by asegment of a parent paraboloid, said primary reflector being asphericaland having an off-axis configuration with an optical axis located at ornear an edge of said primary reflector; and a secondary reflectorpositioned adjacent to said primary reflector to receive solar lightreflected by said primary reflector.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11wherein said first and second tubular member support walls compriseinner surfaces that reflects light.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11 andfurther comprising a light distribution luminaire interchangeablyattached to the second light distribution port.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein said light distribution luminaire distributes diffuselight.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said light distributionluminaire distributes specularly reflected light.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein said light distribution luminaire distributes bothdiffuse light and specularly reflected light.
 21. A method ofdistributing solar light to a structure comprising the steps of: a.receiving solar light waves with one or more concentrators affixedexternally to a first tubular member extending lengthwise along acentral, longitudinal axis (CL1); b. reflecting the solar light waveswith the concentrators to one or more light receiving ports defined bythe first tubular member; c. directing the light waves through one ormore light receiving ports and into a first light transfer duct definedby the first tubular member; d. reflecting the light waves, with areflecting surface of a turning reflector disposed in the first internallight duct and proximate to each one of the light receiving ports, downthe first light transfer duct, to a first light delivery port defined bythe first tubular member; and e. diverting the light waves, with adeflecting surface of the turning reflector that is separate from thereflecting surface, away from the first turning reflector to facilitatea summation of the light waves within the first light transfer duct. 22.The method of claim 21 and further comprising the step of: (f.) rotatingthe concentrators and first tubular member with a sun tracking deviceabout the longitudinal axis (CL1).
 23. The method of claim 22 whereinthe sun tracking device is a closed loop sun tracking device.
 24. Themethod of claim 22 wherein the sun tracking device is an open loop suntracking device.
 25. The method of claim 21 wherein the reflecting step(b) further comprises reflecting ambient solar light with a primaryreflector having a reflecting surface that is defined by a segment of aparent paraboloid, the primary reflector being aspherical and having anoff-axis configuration with an optical axis located at or near an edgeof said primary reflector, and reflecting the reflected solar light witha secondary reflector positioned adjacent to the primary reflector. 26.The method of claim 21 wherein the reflecting step (d) further comprisesreflecting the solar light waves with a second turning reflectordisposed proximate to a second light receiving port, down a second lighttransfer duct to a second light distribution port, the second receivingport, second light transfer duct, and second delivery port defined by asecond tubular member that is joined at a juncture to the first tubularmember at the first light delivery port.
 27. The method of claim 21 andfurther comprising the step of (f) distributing the solar light from thefirst light delivery port with an interchangeably attached luminaire.28. The method of claim 27 wherein the luminaire distributes diffuselight.
 29. The method of claim 27 wherein the luminaire distributesspecularly reflected light.
 30. The method of claim 27 wherein theluminaire distributes both diffuse and specularly reflected light.